Every year, the National Honor Society (NHS) evaluates applications to select the new members for the upcoming school year. On Tuesday, April 29th, an induction ceremony took place in the Cape Coral High School Auditorium.
Michelle Williams, the sponsor of NHS, remarked, “National Honor Society is a prestigious group of high school students who have achieved academic and community excellence. The club encourages dedication to the four pillars of excellence – scholarship, service, leadership, and character.”
Having led NHS for three years, Williams underscored that the ceremony to honor the new members holds significant importance not only for the inductees, but for her as well.
The purpose of the induction ceremony is to celebrate the incoming members who have been granted membership for the upcoming school year.
”I am seeing the Induction Ceremony through a new lens because most of the inductees are current students in my AP Language and Composition class. Since I know firsthand the extent to which these students fulfill the four pillars of NHS, it brings a new level of excitement in comparison to past ceremonies,” stated Williams.
NHS advisor, CCHS administrators, and the newly elected officers will honor the inductees and their families. The New NHS Officers will conduct a lighting ceremony to symbolize the four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. “Then all current and past National Honor Society Members recite a pledge that dedicates themselves to the club’s mission. At the close of the ceremony, Inductees and guests are invited to the Cafeteria for a dessert reception and photos,” explained Williams.
Every student who applied was assessed by Williams, along with their other teachers. Each of these educators dedicated a significant time to evaluate every candidate and to thoughtfully consider the future of the NHS
NHS has numerous criteria for applicants, including an unweighted 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) or a weighted 3.5 GPA, active participation in the school community, and appropriate behavior at school. All individuals who have applied have met those standards and are now prepared to embark on the next two years with NHS.
According to former NHS president Kiera Williams, “ The NHS does a multitude of things for the community. We have worked with the SAVE Promise Club to fight against social isolation and gun violence. We have put in physical labor to beautify the Cape Coral Museum, and we have made dog treats for the local animal shelter.”
NHS has contributed significantly to the community, both within the school and beyond. This is the goal that these newly inducted students aspire to achieve during their high school years and carry with them for the rest of their lives.
“I personally applied to NHS as a way to not only get more involved in my school, but as a way to give back to the community surrounding my schools – The ability to join NHS was a no-brainer decision to me as i felt it perfectly reflected the morals and traits I wished to achieve throughout my highschool career,” expressed sophomore Adalyn Ferrence.
Sophomore Anjelica Murillo stated,“ I applied to NHS to be a part of the community to help out and to be involved. I wanted to get more engaged in school as I was also a part of NJHS [National Junior Honor Society] in Middle school.”
Murillo also stated, “ I am looking forward to getting involved and setting things up for school. That way, we can make it a better atmosphere for the students here to make coming to school more motivating.”
Ferrence also stated, “ I personally am most looking forward to the ability to serve my community and also the potential to express my character and creativity throughout my acts of service.”
